More than anything, he wanted to see her smile.
Chapter Sixteen
A cloud of dust rose up as two footmen lifted the sheets off the drawing room furniture. Meggie couldn’t contain the tickle in her nose, and she let out a sneeze.
The housekeeper rushed to her side. “Perhaps you should wait elsewhere, ma’am,” she said. “You’ve been working nonstop since the master’s letter arrived, and it’s high time you took a break.”
“But there’s so much to do,” Meggie protested.
“Mr. Billings has already engaged four members of staff, and your father doesn’t arrive until Saturday.”
“You need help here,” Meggie said.
“It wouldn’t do for the master to return home to find his wife has a cough,” the housekeeper said. She placed a gentle hand on Meggie’s arm. “My dear, nobody will think any less of you for wanting to rest. The lady of the manor shouldn’t be expected to work harder than her staff. Why not take a turn outside? Some fresh air would bring that lovely bloom back to your cheeks.”
Another puff of dust flew up as a footman uncovered a chair, and Meggie exited the drawing room and made her way to the breakfast room where Milly and Sarah were polishing a large, round table.
“You’re doing well,” Meggie said. “I’ve never seen so much dust in my life!”
“The house hasn’t been tended to for years, ma’am,” Milly said. “But, we’ll have it bright and clean in no time.”
Sarah frowned at Milly. “There’s the windows to do next,” she said. “They’ll take hours.”
“I can help,” Meggie said. “But for now, Sarah, Mrs. Wells wants you in the drawing room.”
Sarah dropped her dust cloth, bobbed a curtsey, and left.
At that moment, Meggie heard a gurgling sound, and Milly blushed, clutching her midriff. “Pardon my stomach.”
“Haven’t you eaten yet?” Meggie asked.
“No, ma’am.”
“Then we must do something about that,” Meggie said. “It’s a beautiful day, and I fancy taking my luncheon outside.”
“I was just about to suggest that myself,” a male voice said.
Ralph stood in the doorway, holding a posy of wildflowers. “I found these and thought they’d brighten the place up,” he said.
Milly squealed with delight and rushed toward him. He frowned, then relinquished the bouquet.
“Ralph, how lovely!” she cried. “Shall we see if Mrs. Brown has something to eat in the kitchen if the mistress will permit me to take my break now?”
“No, I should return to the horses,” he said.
“Oh, very well.”
Meggie’s heart tightened at the disappointment in Milly’s expression.
“Perhaps we could take luncheon together, outside, Milly?” she suggested. “I’d appreciate the company. We could have a picnic if you’re up for a walk. I’m sure Mrs. Wells would give you the afternoon off.”
“Oh, thank you!” Milly said. “I’d like that. It’s perfect weather for a picnic, and I know just the spot.”
“Ralph, will you join us?” Meggie asked. This was a perfect opportunity to bring the two young people together, for the groom could hardly resist a request from his mistress.
“It would be my pleasure, ma’am,” he said.
Milly’s face lit up with joy.
“Milly, go and ask Mrs. Brown to make up a basket for us while I fetch my bonnet,” Meggie said. “Ralph, can you find something for us to sit on?”
“It would be my pleasure.” He bowed and exited the room, followed closely by the lovestruck young maid. Meggie’s heart leapt for joy at the thought of bringing two young lovers together.
Today was going to be a good day.
***
The once-bare trees showed spots of green as new shoots came to life all about her. Before long, the woodland floor would be a blaze of color, and the air would carry the sweet scent of spring flowers.
Beside the path ran a stream, where crystal-clear water danced over rocks and stones, forming soft music.
This was her home. For the rest of her life, she’d be free to wander through these woods any time she chose and lie among the carpet of bluebells.
And indulge in delights such as the treats Mrs. Brown provided. Her stomach rumbled at the smell of the freshly baked rolls in her basket.
“Let me carry that for you, Mrs. Hart.”
Ralph reached for Meggie’s basket, but she shook her head. “You’ve enough to carry as it is.”
She gestured to the young woman who walked ahead of them through the trees. “Why don’t you help Milly? Her basket’s heavier than mine, and she’d enjoy your company. I should like her to be happy today.”
“Whereas you wish to be miserable?”
Meggie laughed. “I am content by myself,” she said. “I’d like today to be special for Milly. There’s a lot of work for her to do—even more, when my husband arrives.”
“And for you, Mrs. Hart.”
“Ah, but today’s excursion is not about me, Ralph. It’s about Milly.” Meggie met his gaze. “She’s a pretty girl, is she not?”
“I suppose she’s prettier than old Mrs. Brown.”
“Ralph!” she chided. “I may not be a lady, but even I know that’s a very ungallant thing to say to the young woman you intend to court.”
He frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, an excited cry rose up ahead.
“We’re here! Look!”
Meggie caught a glimpse of a larger expanse of water, and she heard a rushing, thundering sound. Sparkles of light reflected the sun, dancing on the surface. She picked up the pace, and the trees thinned out into a clearing.
The stream widened out to form a lake. Light shimmered across the surface as the water rippled and moved with the current. Beyond, she glimpsed the source of the sound. A waterfall plunged into the lake. Droplets of water filled the air, catching the sunlight to form a rainbow.
“It’s beautiful!” Meggie cried. “What a perfect spot for a picnic.”
“The best place is over there,” Milly said, pointing to a large, flat rock near the water’s edge. “It’ll give us a good view of the waterfall, but is far enough away that you don’t get caught by the spray.”
“Then we’ll eat there,” Meggie said. “Ralph, would you set out the blankets?”
“Of course.” He sounded sullen but did as she asked, then they unpacked the baskets.
“Ooh look!” Milly cried. “Mrs. Brown’s included some of her rock cakes. They’re my favorite! Did you ask her to bake some, Ralph?”
“I know you like them,” he said.
She picked one up. “I’m so hungry. I could eat it whole.”
“Don’t eat too many, or you’ll be plumper than Mrs. Brown,” Ralph said. “I think she models her rock cakes on her own shape!”
“Nonsense!” Meggie said as Milly blushed. “Milly’s in no danger of that, are you, Milly? And it wouldn’t matter if she was.”